It's been rumored, dismissed and rumored again, but this time, there's something to it.

Christy's of Cape Cod will open a store on Osterville's Main Street, including a Dunkin' Donuts counter and gas operation.

Patrick McKeown of Christy's of Cape Cod said construction is under way at the Osterville location, but there is no opening date at this point.

The Christy's will occupy the lower level at 804 Main St., which shares the parking lot with an existing gas operation that will also be operated by Christy's.

The informal announcement came Wednesday night at the annual meeting of the Osterville Village Association. Phil McCartin asked whether there was any truth to the rumor that Christy's to take over that space. The answer came from a town employee in the audience, who confirmed that an application had been submitted and approved by the health division. That information, which was confirmed by the Patriot yesterday, sparked a murmur in the OVA audience.Patriot last year, chain owner Christy Mihos said that the location didn't work well and was no longer under consideration.

Christy's had been rumored for Osterville in the past, but in an interview with the

Thursday morning, building commissioner Tom Perry said that a permit was filed though his office and requires no board action, nor a visit to site plan review.

"It's really like for like," Perry said.

In Hyannis, one of the two Christy's operations on Bearse's Way recently changed hands. Signs for an independent operator for the former location in the Bobby Byrne's plaza went up about three weeks ago. The newer Christy's gas station across the street remains.